We will be going down to Clarens this weekend and plan to go to the Golden Gate Park to do a little photography and take in the beuty of the area.
Is there any advice that anyone could give me that would make the experience better, as it is the first time i'm going to the park??
Where are good places to watch birds etc?

We did a sleep-over hike there a while ago without a guide. There's a restriction on the number of people who hike per group and you have to report to the reception area at the shop. Just check first if the rules have changed and they must be booked in advance. All the others we've done on our own, just report to the same reception area before leaving camp and when you return. You don't have to book these.

We were just in the Golden Gate this last weekend and it was lovely. i am not so sure about the hikes, i think you have to get a permit for one. but the accommadation at the park is great, there is a Holiday Inn and a lovely campsite, really you can walk anywhere, it's great. some nice places to test your 4x4 as well.

I agree with GP - beware of the cold and odd thunderstorm!!!! We camped last year in June and the cold was quite intense but the surroundings make up for it. We were four families with kids from 2 - 19 years. The 7 year old enjoyed hikes up to the gates about 11 km from the camp site. The walk was very lesurely and is very pituresque. There are many walks that can be taken that are not very taxing. Don't forget to ask for the route maps to see the San Rock art (you can drive a portion and then get out and walk) this is very educational and interesting. The little game reserve holds some treats and you can spot many species of animal there. The horse riding is outstanding. For the less energetic - just sitting and watching the sun move over the sandstone is a treat in itself! Shop at any small town along the way but Clarens or Fouriesburg will provide most of what you need.

Slightly off topic, but oi......driving the road from Clarens or Golden Gate to Fouriesburg and then Bethlehem equals the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. It's an absolute must do. If you have time it's worthwhile getting (visas?) to visit the Kgatse Dam - now that's something never to be forgotten.

mellothi wrote: And indeed, we will be prepared for snow (we will not camp, but stay in a bungalow and bring warm clothes). The horse riding sounds promising, we hope they accept also unexperienced 8 year olds?!

The bungalows are stunning - heated and each have a fireplace. Each bungalow has more than enough warm bedding as well.

Anybody is welcome on the horsetrails! Just book the one suited to your family. They'll help you with that. I remember I couldn't sit properly for a day or two as we took a slightly more advanced one!

The Free State Honorary Rangers are running a fundraising golf day at Clarens Country Club on the 15th of October. Funds will be channeled into the creation of a revolutionary new vulture hide at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This is a joint initiative between the park, the Free State and KZN Honorary Rangers, Birdlife SA, and the Vulture Study Group. The hide when completed will be a wonderful opportunity for the birding public to observe the endangered Bearded and Cape Vultures feeding in their mountain heartland. Any birder/golfers in the Free State region are encouraged to support their efforts. Details of the day can be seen on the SANParks website www.sanparks.org. Birder/Golfers from further away can also attend and make a weekend of it staying in the nearby park.

Hi and Welcome There is a short hike were you can walk through a waterfall, it takes about an hour and a half (kids really enjoy it) . At the end you get to a very small river with you can swim in to cool off. There are acctualy quite a few of these lovely, short hikes to explore